Giving Gifts That Make A Difference ~ World Vision Review & Giveaway

Here in America, we are very spoiled. Much of what we have we don't even appreciate and it isn't until something we use everyday is gone that we realize just how we truly are blessed. Many years ago, I went on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic and it really opened my eyes to how desolate and desperate many people's lives are. Bathrooms that were simply holes in the ground surrounded by sheet metal for privacy, dirty and disheveled children running barefoot through dirt streets, small houses packed full of families who lived together because they could not afford their own housing and so much more. It was heartbreaking. Well, if you have a generous heart this Holiday season, why not give a gift that will mean more than anything a child has ever received?

Choosing a charity to which you can contribute can be difficult, especially with so much (sadly) fraudulent activity that takes place within charities. In thinking about a charity to donate to this season, World Vision has a few suggestions on how to pick the perfect one! Here are their tips...

1. Find a charity with a track record; review the organization’s IRS tax status, check how it spends money and makes important decisions. Good places to find this information are Charity Navigator and GuideStart. 

2. Be thoughtful about an organization’s overhead and administrative costs; cost efficiency is an important factor when choosing a charity, but effectiveness is the key. 

3. Ask questions before you give – visit a charity’s website, send an email, or call if you have concerns. 

4. See what others are saying about the charity of your choice via social media and trusted online forums. 

5. Watch for scams; be on your guard for emails that ask for credit card or other personal information. Check the Better Business Bureau Charity Reviews website ( www.bbb.org/charity-reviews) before giving.

I have to admit that I am always skeptical when it comes to giving money to charities and therefore, I rarely do unless I know them extremely well. World Vision is a reputable, non-profit organization with a wonderful track record of fighting poverty and aiding women, children and families all over the world. I love it when a company takes the well-being of those less fortunate into consideration and actually does something to help them. When it comes to shopping for holiday gifts, you can do something very unique through World Vision to help others. World Vision offers 36 hand crafted items that you can purchase for someone and at the same time, help someone in need! You can also give money for livestock, clean water, wells and other things. 

For this review I was sent one of the hand crafted items available in the World Vision Gift Catalog and I chose to receive the Fair-Trade Coffee Set. This set comes in a beautiful, African sewn gift bag, hand sewn by local women. I love the colors of this bag! You also receive a gorgeous, hand carved olivewood scoop for the coffee. 

The coffee itself is in bean form and smells WONDERFUL! My sniffer is totally sensitive right now and I was just loving the scent as I pulled the coffee from the gift bag. This delicious coffee features flavors from Ethiopia, Sumatra, and Costa Rica and is blended by OneCup.org. Remember, when you purchase a gift from World Vision you are paying a higher price because that money is going to help someone in need. So when I say that this coffee set retails for $65, please don't be shocked. It is totally worth it. :)

This set is just one of 36 different gifts that you can purchase to help another child or family out this holiday season. I would strongly encourage you to check out World Vision's Gift Catalog to see what you can do to make this the best Christmas ever for someone across the world. 

World Vision has offered to give away a Fair-Trade Coffee Set to one of you! Here are your entry options...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free products in exchange for this post. All quotes and stock photos are from the World Vision website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. This blog is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged prizes.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

FREE Medium Beverage at Dunkin Donuts

Happy Monday everyone!! I just wanted to throw this out there for anyone interested. I didn't know Dunkin Donuts had this promotion but I am definitely signing up! Tim Hortons IS my coffee shop of choice but free coffee is good anytime. :) Here's how it works...

Sign up for Donuts Perks Here to receive a FREE Medium Beverage of your choice - also you will receive a FREE coupon on your Birthday for a FREE coffee, latte, tea, Coolatta or hot chocolate straight to your mailbox.

●  Your favorite drink–for free*–that’s your first perk. You’ll get a coupon for a free medium beverage in the mail by the end of next month.

●  A birthday drink–it’s on the house. For your birthday, we’ll send you another coupon to enjoy a free* medium beverage of your choice.

●  Email updates on the latest news, offers and DD events in your area.

*Free medium beverage of choice includes any iced or hot coffee, tea or latte, hot chocolate or Coolatta® beverage. All cooler beverages are excluded. You must complete your Dunkin' UpDDate account profile within the month you enrolled and include your mailing address in order to receive your free beverage coupon

Make it a Sweet New Year with King's Hawaiian Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Whole Bean Coffee

So, Christmas is behind us and here we are in 2013! I am so excited about this month because it means one thing for our family...WE ARE MOVING! So many emotions surround this event in our lives...thankfulness, fear, happiness, excitement, nervousness, etc. I have been trying to pack a little bit each day so I can be ready for moving day...whenever that will be. We do have a target date but you know how things go; not always as planned. :) So, in my busyness I have been trying to take a bit of "me time" each day. Do you know someone who could use something special to pamper themselves in this new year? Well, I have a some fantastic news for anyone who is a King's Hawaiian fan...they now have virtual storefront that allows you to shop for yourself or someone else!

Today, I am going to introduce you to King's Hawaiian Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Whole Bean Coffee...a wonderful and tropical beverage that will help jump-start any day-the Hawaiian way! This is also a product that is available from their new virtual store! Here is a bit more about why this coffee is such a favorite...

In 1865, King Kamehameha V chose Moloka'i as the place to grow his personal supply of "royal" coffee and coconuts. Descendants of those trees still grow wild in the rainforested highlands of Kalae and at Kapuaiwa Coconut Beach Park. Today, the nearby village of Kualapu'u has rediscovered the unique coffee-growing microclimate that Moloka'i has to offer - bountiful sunlight tempered by cooling tradewinds, red volcanic soils and the natural purity of an island that still doesn't even have a traffic light. The estate-grown beans in this coffee result from the roastmaster's original "washed arabica" process, which purges the natural acidity. That, plus a gentle roasting, releases subtle, resonating essences that are unique to the soil of Moloka'i. This coffee is the perfect companion to our Original Hawaiian Sweet rolls and bread. Share the Aloha Spirit with every delicious cup you serve!

I love coconut. Some of my favorite candies are coconut based or have some sort of coconut flavoring in them. Coconut can be an acquired taste for some but for me it is a favorite!

So, for this review I was sent a bag of King's Hawaiian Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Whole Bean Coffee. I wasn't expecting to receive this so it was a real treat when it arrived in the mail. Right away, I could smell the luscious coconut aroma. Mmmmmm!

 

Upon opening the bag, I noticed that this was indeed a whole bean coffee. I don't have a grinder so I borrowed my mom's. I should really get a grinder...those are handy to have! Another thing I noticed is that the beans look shimmery. This is because they are tossed in coconut creme to totally capture the essence of the tropical islands! Yum!

So, after grinding my beans, I was ready to brew it! I cannot even begin to tell you how fantastic this coffee smelled while brewing. The fresh fragrance of freshly ground beans and coconut still lingered in my kitchen while my pot was dripping the coffee into the pot. It was amazing.

The taste of this Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Coffee was wonderful...not to mention it helped keep me awake to welcome in the New Year last night! My sister was visiting and we stayed up past midnight painting our nails, playing games and playing our guitars together. I had my cup of freshly brewed Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Coffee beside me the whole evening and it did a fantastic job of helping me greet 2013! :)

This particular coffee pairs well with King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls too so when shopping for the coffee, don't forget to pick up your other King's Hawaiian products to make sure your New Year's celebrations will be sweet!

King's Hawaiian Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Whole Bean Coffee can be purchased directly from the King's Hawaiian Virtual Store and retails for $15.00 for an 8oz. bag. Be sure to "Like" Kings Hawaiian on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter so you don't miss any special deals, coupons or promotions this year!

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free King's Hawaiian Toasted Coconut Moloka'i Whole Bean Coffee for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the King's Hawaiian website and email.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Holiday Gift Guide ~ Community Coffee Review & Giveaway

I love coffee. My mornings haven't officially started until I have had my morning coffee. Because I am currently nursing, I prefer a decaf blend but most of the time I love a nice cup of fully leaded coffee. :) My favorite coffees are the flavored ones, although I recently learned that I can flavor my own coffee which has been so much fun. So, I don't know many people who do not like coffee and I think that coffee can make a fantastic Christmas gift...especially for the hard-to-by-for person.

Today, I am going to talk to you a little bit about Community Coffee. This is a company that manufactures some really tasty coffees and gifts for the coffee lover. My mom knows a couple who absolutely adore Community Coffee and it is all they drink! Personally, I think their coffees are wonderful too and this time of the year is wonderful for featuring this company on my blog. Here is a bit more of the history of Community Coffee...

For four generations, the Saurage family of Louisiana has owned and operated Community Coffee Company. In 1919, Henry Norman "Cap" Saurage discovered the secret of making this great-tasting coffee in his country store on the north edge of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He named his coffee "Community" in honor of his community of friends. In 1924, he closed the store and converted his backyard barn into a coffee mill, using coffee beans purchased from a local roaster. In 1941, Cap's son H. Norman Saurage Jr. purchased the company's first coffee roaster, having decided that Community should roast its own coffee to ensure quality at every step. A roasting plant was built in Baton Rouge in 1946.

Over the years, Community Coffee Company would take countless steps to ensure the quality of its product. In 1955, the company began importing green coffee beans directly from coffee plantations in Brazil. In 1970, a new plant was built on the Mississippi River in Port Allen, Louisiana. In 1980, Community introduced the nation's first vacuum-sealed coffee package.

The first CC's Community Coffee House opened on the corner of Jefferson and Magazine Street in New Orleans in 1995. Dozens more opened during the 10 years that followed.

It's been more than 90 years since Cap Saurage founded Community Coffee Company, but our mission has never changed – to share our passion for great coffee with our customers.

I have tried Community Coffee before and was very excited when they agreed to be a part of my Holiday Gift Guide!

So, for this review I was sent the Season's Greetings Variety Pack and it is sooo lovely! It contains four bags of ground coffee in four different flavors. In this pack you will find Holiday Jazz, Dark Roast, Cafe' Special and Bread Pudding flavored coffee.

I already know that I love the Bread Pudding coffee, so I thought I would try the Cafe' Special. It sounded like a coffee that would not be really strong and that is what I prefer. 

The aroma of this coffee is wonderful...it isn't too strong and smells very fresh too. I love whole bean coffee but hate having to grind my own beans (I don't have a grinder either)...so ground coffee is my preference for convenience's sake.

After my coffee was done brewing, I added some French Vanilla creamer to coffee and took a sip. The flavor is amazing. Full, fresh and flavorful, this coffee helped me jump-start my day and prepare myself for the busy hours that awaited me. I have enjoyed several cups since and each cup has been perfect!

Along with this Season's Greetings Variety Pack (which retails for $29.99), Community Coffee also offers several other beautiful seasonal gift packs that would make wonderful gifts. If you are looking for a great Chinese Auction gift, why not check out Community Coffee? I, for one, would LOVE to receive one of these gift packs as a present! :)

So, in my opinion...Community Coffee is a wonderful coffee company! With their wide variety of gift ideas and coffee selections, they are sure to have something for everyone. I love the coffee sampler I was sent and am especially enjoying the Cafe' Special and Bread Pudding flavored coffees....yummm. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone! :)

Community Coffee has offered to give away a Season's Greetings Variety Pack to one of my readers!!! Here are your entry options...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post.I did receive a free Season's Greetings Variety Pack for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Community Coffee website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Holiday Gift Guide ~ Inbru Coffee Flavors Review & Giveaway

I hope you are all enjoying these first few posts for my Holiday Gift Guide! I for one, am having a blast and am loving the fantastic selections that have been offered. Today, we are going to chat about coffee. Not just plain coffee, but flavored coffee. My personal favorite right now is Hazelnut Creme' Decaf Coffee. I am a huge flavored coffee fan. One of my gal friends introduced me to flavored coffee about 3 years ago and I have been hooked ever since. Because some of my friends are not flavored coffee fans, I do keep plain coffee on hand for when they visit but generally, I only fix flavored coffee for myself. The one thing I have a very difficult time getting past is the price of flavored coffee. Why is it that pampering yourself with a tasty cup of coffee has to be so very expensive? Well, today I have a great alternative to help save money and still enjoy a flavored cup of coffee!

Inbru Coffee Flavors is a company that I found recently while perusing the Internet. When I first saw their products, my first instinct was "What a fantastic idea!!! Why haven't I heard of this before?" Ha ha! I truly felt like I had hit the jackpot. :) Here is a bit more about this company and their elegant coffee flavors...

Inbru Coffee Flavors are made from Natural California Rice Hulls, the tough parchment surrounding and protecting each grain of rice as it grows and develops. When hulls are removed from rice during milling, the product is familiar pure brown rice. The hulls, however, are generally discarded. Rice hulls are an excellent natural flavor carrier. In fact, rice hulls are often used by home beer brewers as a filter medium because the material is absolutely taste-neutral, natural, and will not dissolve when exposed to high temperatures, moisture and pressure.

Adding Inbru to the ground coffee in your brew basket is all it takes to flavor a cup or a pot of delicious coffee at home or work. The hot water and gentle agitation of the brew process release the Inbru flavors as the coffee is extracted. Inbru doesn't dissolve in the coffee – it remains in the filter with the coffee grounds. Inbru is brewed flavor.

Like coffee grounds, Inbru Coffee Flavors are 100 percent compostable and biodegradable. The PET plastic container, scoop and lid are completely recyclable. 

I was very intrigued...using Rice Hulls is a new concept to me but it makes perfect sense. Using something that is typically discarded is a wonderful way to recycle and reduce waste. It is also good to know that Inbru contains: No Allergens • No Wheat • No Fat • No Soy • No Gluten • No Peanuts • No Tree Nuts • No Diacetyl • No Dairy. It's nice to know that those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this product as well. :)

So, for this review I was sent three jars of Inbru Coffee Flavors to try and oh my. Was I in for a treat!! There are a total of 16 flavors to choose from and it was very difficult to pick out the ones I wanted to try. I chose to receive Creme Caramel, Danish Pastry and Chocolate Fudge.

Like I said, I had never tried anything like this before but I knew it would probably be something that I would love! I was a bit surprised to see the yellow color of the flavoring...it was different for sure! The texture is light and fluffy and the containers really are not heavy at all.

Each Inbru Coffee Flavor comes with a tiny scoop that you use to measure the flavoring. Each scoop flavors one 6 oz serving of coffee. I think I used two scoops. I learned after the fact that you should use about one scoop for each cup of coffee you are preparing. So, if you are making 12 cups, use 12 scoops. If you are making 6 cups, use 6 scoops. 

So, using Inbru is so easy. All you do is add however many scoops you desire to your un-brewed coffee grounds. It could not be any easier. I used two scoops of flavoring for 12 cups of coffee. I think I went on the low side because I wasn't sure how strong the flavor would be. While all the flavors I was sent were amazing, my favorite was the Danish Pastry. 

After making my pot of coffee, I think I could have added more flavoring. It was DELICIOUS!! I cannot believe how easy it was to turn my plain coffee into flavored! Because these containers are small, Inbru Coffee Flavors would make amazing stocking stuffers! I can think of so many people who would love to receive Inbru. 

Each Inbru Coffee Flavor retails for $6.95/24g. container. There are 16 flavors to choose from so you definitely have options. You can purchase directly from their website too! To connect with Inbru, check them out on Facebook and also on Twitter. 

So, in my opinion...Inbru Coffee Flavors are wonderful!! The perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas list, Inbru is my choice for delicious coffee flavoring. With so many flavors to choose from, even your pickiest gift recipient would be covered. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone...trust me, you won't regret the money you will save and the elegant flavor you will experience!

Inbru has offered to give away two containers of Inbru Coffee Flavoring to one of my readers!! You can have your choice of flavors as well. :) Here are your entry options...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive free Inbru Coffee Flavors for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Inbru website and email. Prize is being provided and shipped by the sponsor. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Enjoying My Mommy Moments With Nescafe Memento & FREE SAMPLE

There are just a few things in life that I have just for me. My coffee is one of them. Every morning, after the children have been fed breakfast, are dressed and I have showered, I make a cup of coffee. It is something that I do that is exclusively for me. Not for the children or my husband but for me. My hubby doesn't drink coffee so he would not care anyway.

Recently, I saw that there was a product available from Nescafe' called Nescafe' Memento. Being that I love coffee, and enjoy flavored coffee the best, I was really excited about this product. Think about it...you are preparing to embark on a busy day with three little ones. YOU need something that will give you a little boost and help you get through the day.

I first tried Nescafe' Memento when I requested a free sample. This Free Sample of Nescafe Memento is still available, in case you are interested. I am telling you...providing consumers with free samples WORKS because I have since purchased this product!! If I hadn't received a sample, I probably would have never tried it. My sample pack contained two packets, which was great. It also contained a coupon for $1 off a box, which I used when Nescafe' Memento was on sale at my grocery store.

My favorite has to be the Mocha. It froths so nicely and each sip has such great flavor. My children hover around my cup waiting for their sip (which sometimes I allow...just for fun) and they think it tastes pretty good too!

Because this coffee beverage comes in long, thin packages, I wanted to throw the idea out there that you can use these for stocking stuffers!!!  Tie a thin ribbon around several packets (mix and match the flavors) and stick them in your coffee lover's stocking this Christmas. Plus, these boxes retail for about $3.99 so you don't have to break the bank when buying stocking stuffers! What a great way to share this fantastic product with those that you love!

So, I just wanted to share this new product from Nescafe' with you all today. I am loving it and don't think that anyone should miss out on this one! In case you missed it before, head on over to their website and request your FREE SAMPLE today!!

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I purchased my own product...and conducted this review after using the product. Some images and quotes are from the Nescafe' website. All thoughts and opinions are 100%  my own.

Free Folgers Gourmet Selections Coffee Sample!

I didn't post this when it first came out but there are still samples available! From the Folger's Facebook Page:

With so many exciting, indulgent flavors and roasts to choose from, now you can go gourmet every day.

And as a way of thanking our wonderful Facebook fans, we’re giving away a free sample of either our Traditional Blend or Vanilla Biscotti coffee.* Just click the "Like" button above to find out how you can get your free sample.

Sign up today to get your free sample...these probably won't last long so hurry hurry! The best part of waking up...is getting a FREE Folgers Coffee Sample!! :)

FREE Caffe Latte at Starbucks (TODAY)

From the Starbucks website...

Be among the first to get a sneak peek at our revolutionary new Verismo™ System – and experience how to enjoy Starbucks® lattes, espresso and brewed coffee at home, all from one machine. Not only will you meet the machine, you'll get to enjoy the result – a sweet, creamy, rich Starbucks® Caffè Latte made especially for you. 

This special event is on Monday, Oct. 15, 4-6 p.m. at select Starbucks stores.

Find a store hosting the event near you. We'll see you there!

So, YUM. Too bad I don't have a Starbucks really close to my house. :( Hope some of you can enjoy this special and delicious offer! :)

Try Nescafe Memento Coffee FREE!

This looks REALLY yummy and I have requested my sample. Click HERE to request your own FREE 2-pack sample of Nescafe Memento Coffee today! Enjoy! :)

Valentine's Day Gift Guide ~ Green Mountain Coffee Review & Giveaway

~VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE~

If you are running out of ideas for Valentine's Day gifts, have you thought about treating your Valentine to a special breakfast? Maybe even breakfast in bed!! Oooo...now that is something that I would love. :) I remember as a child making my mom breakfast in bed. Oh my, the things we would think of to put on her tray! I think we included foods like Pringles, toast, cereal, juice, eggs, etc. Looking back, she was always sooo gracious and would never complain about the menu (even when we poured the milk on her cereal 1/2 hour before we took the tray to her.). Bless her heart. :) I cannot remember the last time I got breakfast in bed; usually I am up getting the children breakfast before hubby wakes up so I have yet to experience this! If I were to be treated to such a luxury, I know I would want a nice hot cup of coffee on my tray. So, if you are looking to surprise your Valentine with a special morning, I have a wonderful coffee company to introduce you to today! They will get you on the right track if you are looking for the perfect cup of coffee.

Green Mountain Coffee is a company that caters to the coffee and hot beverage fan. They have everything from Keurig Brewers to spiced cider. Also, they carry a multitude of varieties of coffees and gifts. Here is a bit more about this company...

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR) was founded in 1981 as a small café in Waitsfield, Vermont. In 1993, the Company went public (NASDAQ: GMCR) and that same year made an early investment in Keurig, Incorporated. GMCR acquired the remainder of Keurig in 2006 and the combined company is changing the way North America prepares its beverages both at home and in the workplace with its Keurig® Single-Cup Brewing System. Today, GMCR is recognized as a leader in specialty coffee and coffeemakers, and acknowledged for its award-winning coffees, innovative brewing technology, and environmentally and socially responsible business practices.

I have always admired the Keurig Brewers and think that they are soooo great! I don't own one...yet, but hope to sometime in the future. How convenient that you can brew a fresh cup of coffee each time you want one? To me, that is ingenious!

So, for this review I was sent a VERY tasty bag of Green Mountain Coffee in the Golden French Toast flavor! I am a huge French Toast fan, so I was very eager to see what the flavor of this coffee tasted like. I also might add that because I am pregnant, I do not indulge in coffee very often so this was a treat!

When I first opened the bag all I could say was "Wow!" The smell alone was enough to get my mouth watering. This coffee comes already ground, which works great for me as I do not have a coffee grinder.

I started my pot of coffee and jumped into the shower. While I was showering, I could smell the coffee brewing and it smelled JUST LIKE French Toast!! I knew this was going to be a great cup of coffee.

As I thought, the flavor of the Golden French Toast was just like I imagined. I could taste all aspects of French Toast...syrup, butter and cinnamon. It was SO good! My children must have liked the smell as well because they kept asking for a taste. Ha ha!

Golden French Toast from Green Mountain Coffee retails for $9.49 for a 10 ounce bag. It also comes in K-Cups.

So, in my opinion..Golden French Toast coffee from Green Mountain Coffee is pretty amazing. I love how the flavor is just like eating a hot stack of French Toast. As someone who loves coffee, I am becoming a fan more and more of flavored coffee and believe me, Green Mountain Coffee is on the top of my list now!

Green Mountain Coffee has offered to give a bag of this Golden French Toast coffee to one of my readers! Hope you enjoy this giveaway and a huge thank you to the sponsor for this opportunity. :) Here are your entry options...

**PLEASE REMEMBER THAT TWEETS MUST BE AT LEAST 2 HOURS APART. ENTRIES THAT DO NOT FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE DELETED**

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a free bag of Golden French Toast Coffee for review purposes. All quotes and stock photos are from the Green Mountain Coffee website and email. Prize is being shipped by the sponsor. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.